As the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 prepares for its official opening this weekend, gamers can step up to the crease right now with the Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 playable demo, available to download today from Xbox LiveÂ® Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. There's a PC edition of the demo too; bowl over to www.codemasters.co.uk/brianlara2007 to download.

The demo enables wannabe Brian Laras or Ricky Pontings to compete in a warm-up one-day match of three overs between England and Australia, taken from the ICC Champions Trophy 2006 in India. The demo enables players to experience the refined batting, bowling and fielding gameplay. The brilliant batting play sees the introduction of subtle edges, sweep shots and the ability to use your feet to dance down the wicket and smash the ball over the boundary for six.

Launching on March 23rd, during the group stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 expands the series' acclaimed gameplay to deliver a thoroughly entertaining and competitive game that captures all the tension, skill and intensity of world-class cricket.

The 2007 game is also the most authentic edition yet with more official content than ever before. Leading with a dedicated ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 mode, featuring all the official teams, stadia, kits and equipment of the tournament, there's also a fully licensed ICC Champions' Trophy competition and exhibition matches that include One Day Games, Test Matches and exciting 20-over fests.

Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 will also be the first ever cricket video game to offer extensive online play with multiplayer tournaments and matches playable over Xbox Live and PC LAN and online.

As ICC Cricket World Cup fever grips the nation, Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 will deliver a complete compendium of cricket gaming when it launches for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 and PC, on March 23rd.

Head over to Xbox Live Marketplace for the Xbox 360 demo or to www.codemasters.co.uk/brianlara2007 for the PC demo, and prepare to take on the world.

ABOUT CODEMASTERS
Codemasters is a leading developer and publisher of best-selling interactive entertainment products for a global audience on current and future gaming platforms and channels. Established in 1986, the company's dominant brands include Colin McRae Rally, TOCA Race Driver, LMA Manager, Brian Lara Cricket and Operation Flashpoint. The company is headquartered in Southam, Warwickshire UK and maintains operations in the US, Germany, France, Spain, and Benelux. More information about the company and its products is available online at http://www.codemasters.com

THE INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COUNCIL (ICC)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the governing body for Test match and One-Day International (ODI) cricket - both men's and women's - around the world. It is also responsible for the global expansion of the game through its Associate and Affiliate Members and a major international Development Program. It manages the playing conditions relevant to the game at the highest level and the organization of tournaments such as the ICC Cricket World Cup, the ICC Champions Trophy, ICC Intercontinental Cup, ICC U/19 World Cup and the ICC Women's World Cup. Further information on the ICC is available online at www.icc-cricket.com

About Xbox 360
Microsoft revolutionized the gaming industry with the November 2001 launch of Xbox (http://www.xbox.com), its first-generation video game and entertainment system, now sold in 26 countries. Microsoft introduced its next-generation system, Xbox 360, in the 2005 holiday season in Europe, Japan and North America, and launched the system in Australia, Colombia, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan in 2006. Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com) is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming service, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers.

ASK ABOUT GAMES
Codemasters supports askaboutgames.com

ww.askaboutgames.com - a new UK initiative designed to help parents understand the age ratings system for computer and video games so that they can make more informed choices when choosing games for their children.